Red goosefoot grows almost everywhere: in fields, in gardens, in excavated areas, garbage dumps, manure piles and dredgings from ditches. In other words, it is a real 'weed'. It germinates quickly, and usually earlier than other plants. In the dunes, red goosefoot often grows in dune slacks which are dry in the summer and under water in the winter. It needs lots of nutrients and open space. The plant tolerates salt and therefore is also found in saline or brackish environments. Its leaves and stem can turn deep red later in the year, giving the landscape a colorful autumn color. Besides the Netherlands, it is found in large parts of the world, in regions with a temperate climate.